Cameroonians headed to the polls on Sunday in a pivotal presidential election that could determine whether President Paul Biya extends his 43-year rule. At 92, Biya remains the world’s oldest sitting leader and is widely expected to secure an eighth term in office, despite growing public frustration and a reinvigorated opposition movement.
Biya’s main challenger, former government spokesperson Issa Tchiroma, 76, has gained notable traction, drawing large crowds and endorsements from a coalition of opposition parties and civic groups. His campaign has struck a chord with many Cameroonians weary of decades of economic stagnation, unemployment, and political repression.
“For 43 years, Cameroonians have been suffering. There are no jobs,” said Hassane Djbril, a driver in Yaounde’s Briqueterie neighborhood. “We want change because the current government is dictatorial.”
Despite such sentiments, analysts predict Biya’s re-election is almost certain. His tight grip on state institutions, a fragmented opposition, and the single-round voting system which awards victory to whoever gains the most votes tilt the race heavily in his favor.
“Biya has remained in power for nearly 43 years by deftly dividing his adversaries,” noted Francois Conradie, lead political economist at Oxford Economics. “It seems that the machine he built will divide to rule one last time.”
Under the campaign slogan “Greatness and Hope,” Biya held only one public rally in Maroua, leaning instead on state-controlled media and carefully curated social media messaging. His team promises further economic progress, though many voters remain skeptical.
“For me, things have only gotten worse. Nothing has changed,” said Herves Mitterand, a mechanic in Douala.
Voting began at 0700 GMT and closed at 1700 GMT, with results expected within 15 days. Over 8 million registered voters will determine whether Cameroon continues under Biya’s long-standing rule or finally ushers in change.
